Best Portable Vaporizer Guide 2023: Find the Best Dry Herb Vaporizer for you

Best overall portable dry herb vape

These are our absolute favorite, all-around picks. Regardless of price point, these portable vapes represent what we believe is the very best vaping experience possible. They’re widely praised not just by members of the Planet of the Vapes staff, but also by customers and reviewers for their consistency, ease of use, and of course, impressive vaporization.

Our pick Storz & Bickel Mighty+ - Undeniably reliable

While some of the decisions in our guide took some debating, this pick was as easy as using the Mighty+. There are no special techniques to learn or moving pieces to keep track of, it just works, pumping out smooth vapor that lives up to its name. It may feel a little on the large side at first, but with its amazing battery life, comfortable airflow, broad temperature range, and great sharing potential, it won’t be long until you’re finding room in your bag for the Storz & Bickel Mighty+.

The Mighty+ stands on the legacy of its predecessor, the Mighty dry herb vaporizer from Storz & Bickel. It retains all of the Mighty’s greatness, but also heats up quicker, has improved electronics, and universal USB-C charging. Now you can truly go anywhere, anytime with top-shelf vapor at your disposal!

Shop Mighty+ (CAD$415 - discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!

Runner-up PAX 3 - A stylish alternative

While the Mighty+’s dressed down appearance is perfect for some, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting something more stylish. The PAX 3 improves on the PAX 2 with a sleek outer shell that comes in a variety of elegant and eye-catching finishes. There’s still a lot of power under the hood, and the PAX is happy to puff out consistently potent vapor. It’s easy to slip in your pocket with a loaded oven, fits in right alongside your phone and keys, and doesn’t sacrifice when it comes to vapor.

Shop PAX 3 (from CAD$207.96)

Best flavor

All of the vaporizers we sell boast great flavor, but there are certainly options that stand out above the rest. These vapes take extra steps to preserve the vapor quality and present your herbs’ full flavor, with extra cooling, high-quality materials, and controls that let you dial in the experience to your personal preference.

Our pick Firefly 2+ - Premium flavor

When it comes to flavor, the Firefly 2+ goes to great lengths to stand out. It uses convective heat that reaches vaping temperature in just seconds, so you don’t have to wait around long for your session. It also has a stylish, pocketable look that’s sure to catch the attention of owners with more mundane vaporizers.

Unlike our other flavorful pick, the Firefly 2+ travels easily, fitting into any pocket or bag with its removable mouthpiece. If you want to fine-tune your settings, use the Bluetooth app functionality to dial them in.

Shop Firefly 2+ (CAD$324.95)

Our Pick Arizer Solo 2, stems save the flavor

The Arizer Solo 2’s most noticeable feature -- the glass stem -- is also the most important when it comes to flavor. The heat passes into your herbs at the end of the stem, and from there on out, it stays in the glass, resulting in vapor that’s clean and flavorful. You can load up several stems ahead of time, and the Solo 2’s impressive battery is happy to keep chugging along.

Shop Arizer Solo 2 (CAD$159.95)

Desktop Option EpicVape E-Nano - Pure taste all day long

The E-Nano is not a portable vaporizer, but it's here for the same reasons as the Solo 2 - nothing but pure glass touches your vapor before it reaches your lips. The taste is amazing, and lasts a long time with this desktop convection vaporizer. With unlimited power at its disposal, the wood-constructed E-Nano also scores with smaller doses, and shines on a glass bubbler. This hand-crafted work of art features an adjustable bowl for any size dose you want.

Shop EpicVape E-Nano (CAN$239.95)

Best everyday carry dry herb vape

Portability is a key factor for traveling vaporists. If you want a vape that you can always have by your side, it has to be durable, compact, and consistent. It needs to be tough enough to slide in and out of your pocket or bag throughout the day without worrying about occasional drops or scratches, small enough that it doesn’t weigh you down, and provide a great experience every time, without having to tinker with settings or adjust any finicky parts.

Our pickPlanet of the Vapes ONE, compact and versatile

The extremely pocketable Planet of the Vapes ONE would be happy to spend the day with you. This tough little vape fits easily into your pocket, and heats up super quickly, so you won’t be waiting when you have a moment for a session. When you get home, you can use the water pipe adapter or mini bubbler to settle in for the evening.

Even on the road, the ONE happily pumps out surprising clouds of vapor, considering its size. The only part that suffers a bit is battery life, but with the potency and efficiency of the ONE, we think it will carry most light to medium users through the day without any issue. Plus, at just CAD$119 with your choice of glass attachment, it’s a great value.

Shop ONE (CAD$124.95)

Runner-up DynaVap VapCap - Unique and memorable

The DynaVap M doesn’t fit what most people expect out of a vaporizer, and that’s one of the reasons we love it. Rather than settling in for a long session, you heat the end of the VapCap for a big, bold hit, any time you like.

It’s extremely pocketable, has no batteries to recharge, and there are tons of awesome upgrades and even third-party mods. Buying a VapCap opens a whole new world of fun, and the VapCap M is a great place to start.

Shop DynaVap M (CAD$100.00)

Best dry herb vaporizer for discreet use

Trying to fly under the radar? These are our favorite vaporizers for when you want a quick cloud without anybody asking questions. That means a vaporizer that fits in your pocket, and the palm of your hand during use, and sneaks back into your pocket when you’re done. It should have a fast heat up, power through an oven, and then disappear again, which also means it needs to have a great compact heater and an appropriate sized oven so you don’t have to reload often.

Our pickPAX 3, small, fast, potent

The PAX 3 does it all. It fits in your hand without drawing attention, heats up fast, and packs a lot of herb - or concentrates! The PAX 3 is small enough to travel well in any pocket, bag or purse. It only has one button, so it’s easy to turn on without looking, and vibration alerts tell you when it’s time to vape. You can sneak in a quick hit, or a full session, with its 30-second heat up time.

The smartphone app for Android/iPhone will blow your mind, with all its custom options and preset heating profiles to play with. Whether you chase flavor, clouds, or anything in between, the PAX 3 will fit your style. On top of all that, it comes with a ten year warranty, for long-distance peace of mind.

Shop PAX 3 (CAD$207.96)

Runner-upPlanet of the Vapes ONE - Small but potent

When it comes to compact vaporizers, few are smaller than the Planet of the Vapes ONE. Most average sized hands should have no problem completely concealing it, and its dressed-down appearance blends in with your other belongings. But it isn’t just size that helps the ONE fly under the radar, it also heats up extremely quickly, so you can snap a few quick hits when you find the time.

Shop ONE (CAD$124.95)

Best battery life

Battery life is an important feature for a lot of people, and for good reason. Having to chase down spare batteries or a charger can be a real chore when all you’re trying to do is settle in for a relaxing session. These vaporizers can keep running until long after you’ve tapped out, and then some.

Our pickArizer Solo II - Long-lasting flavor

The Solo II vaporizer has no equal when it comes to battery life. It’s capable of running for three hours on a single charge, without sacrificing flavor or vapor production. The glass stems help your herbs’ natural flavors shine, a luxurious touch that’s particularly nice for home use.

If you take it out with you, Arizer provides everything you need right in the box, like extra stems you can load ahead of time, caps to keep anything from falling out, and a holster to keep all your bits and pieces together. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best way to take flavor to a friend’s house, without worrying about charging up first. The Solo II comes with a 2-year warranty on workmanship and defects, an industry leading 1-year warranty on the battery, and a lifetime warranty on the heating element.

Shop Arizer Solo 2 (CAD$159.95)

Runner-upStorz & Bickel Mighty+ - A cloud-focused challenger

The Mighty+ falls short of the Solo II’s battery life, but really the difference comes down to the experience. Where the Solo II leans towards lighter, more flavorful vapor, the Mighty+’s hefty cooling unit allows for chunkier, thicker clouds, without them tasting or feeling harsh. The Mighty+ is one of our favorite vaporizers overall, and even though it’s still fairly large, its all-in-one design makes it easier to take with you than the Arizer Solo 2 vaporizer.

Shop Mighty+ (CAD$415 - discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!

Best dry herb vape under CAD$130

Shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise where it counts. There are plenty of great vaporizers under CAD$130 that still pack in premium features, great versatility, and of course, awesome vapor.

Planet of the Vapes ONE - Amazing value

If you only have $CAD130 to spend, the Planet of the Vapes ONE is an easy pick. It was our top pick for under $CAD300 before its price drop. The POTV ONE is extremely compact, and heats up super fast, so you can bring it with you and sit down for a session wherever you might be. It’s built on an already popular vaporizer, with our special accessory attachment to settle in for home sessions.

It comes with everything you need to get up and running, and It’s also a great starting point if you’re new to vapor. For $10 more, we include your choice of extra mouthpiece for the accessory attachment, like a tiny bubbler for well-cooled hits, or a water pipe adapter for your existing glass.

Shop POTV ONE (CAD$124.95)

Runner-upVapCap M (by DynaVap)

If you’re looking for something unique, the VapCap M is a great place to start. Instead of warming up for a long session, you heat one end of the VapCap, then take a thick draw off the other end. The twin air ports allow for adjustable airflow to really dial in your ideal hit.

It has a strong community of tinkerers and modders who swear by it, and the VapCap M is a great place to start, without spending very much.

Shop DynaVap M (CAD$100.00)

Best dry herb vape under CAD$300

With CAD$300 to spend on a new vaporizer, you have your pick of a ton of great options, and only a few of our best-selling vaporizers will cost you any more than that. Our favorites are easy to use, consistent, and a great value.

Our pickXMAX V3 Pro - I thought it would cost more!

The XMAX V3 Pro charged out of the gate with an amazing feature list for only CAD$134.95. It’s an incredible value, with features like full digital temperature control, a removable battery, and Session or On-demand vape modes. This vape is incredibly efficient with your herbs, and only cooks them while you inhale.

Not only is the V3 Pro one of our best sellers, it’s priced well below CAD$300. At $134.95, you’ll have money left over for herbs or vape accessories. That’s a good thing, because the V3 Pro excels on a bubbler with its water pipe adapter. Grab a few batteries, and the party never ends!

Shop XMAX V3 Pro (CAD$134.95)

Runner-upArizer Solo II - Flavor and value

If it doesn’t have to be quite so compact, the Arizer Solo II has a lot to offer. The glass stems are awesome for flavor and efficiency, and Arizer sends you everything you need to get started right in the box.

It’s easy to use for personal sessions, or share with friends, and the huge battery means you won’t have to worry about charging it often.

Shop Arizer Solo 2 (CAD$159.95)

Artisan PickSticky Brick Runt - Exceptional power from a dinky vape

Technically, any Sticky Brick vaporizer could qualify as a candidate for a best under $200 list, but the Runt is special. It’s the smallest of the bunch, and the lowest-priced handheld model as well, but packs the same punch. With the power of fire at its disposal, after a little practice the Runt delivers massive hits that electric portable vapes can’t match. The Runt also packs an over-sized-bowl for larger appetites. Did we mention that its elegant build-quality?

Shop Sticky Brick Runt (CAN$184.95)

Easiest to use

Sometimes the most important factor when buying an herbal vaporizer is how easy it is to get up and running. Fortunately, we have some vaporizers that require little to no instructions to take you from vaporizer novice to session master, without sacrificing important features. These vapes are ready to vaporize right out of the box, and are among our top-rated vaporizers.

Our pickStorz & Bickel Mighty+ - No fuss vaping

Beginning to end, the Mighty+ is the easiest vape around to use. It turns on with a single press of the clearly marked power button, has a large, easy to read LED display with precise temperature control, and the adjustment buttons are up front and bright orange. It even comes out of the box with an 80% charge, so it’s ready to go immediately.

But it isn’t just the controls and simple setup, the Mighty+ is also easy to hit. You can draw as fast or as slow as you like, and the Mighty+ will happily produce flavorful, potent vapor. It’s easy to pass around and share with friends, without having to teach them how to use it. Everyone has a good time, and no one has to teach any lessons on how to vape.

Shop Mighty+ (CAD$415 - discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!

Runner-upBoundless CFX - The big screen

The medium-size, yet pocketable Boundless CFX boasts a big screen, clearly marked buttons, and a spacious oven for easy loading. It doesn’t need any special instructions, so you can hit it right away or hand it off to your friends for a quick session. Boundless is known for chunkier clouds, which makes it easy to see how much you’re taking in.

Shop Boundless CFX (CAD$179.95)

Most efficient dry herb vaporizer

To us, efficiency means squeezing every last bit out of each bit of herb you load into the oven. We want full extraction not just in terms of flavor, but in terms of the herb’s practical effects too. Our preference is for vaporizers that provide mostly convection heating at the beginning of the session, with more conduction heating as the oven itself heats up around the herbs.

Our pickStorz & Bickel Mighty+ - Works every time

Storz & Bickel has plenty of practice dialing in their vapor, and it really shows. The Mighty+’s blend of conduction and convection ensures every oven gets fully roasted, with no stirring required. Whether you like to take little sips, or long draws, you’ll see impressive results and smooth vapor. Plus, with some of the best battery life of any vaporizer we sell, it’s great for a long weekend.

The Mighty+’s digital controls aren’t just convenient, they also help with efficiency. You can slowly turn up the temperature over the course of a session or oven, or turn it down if you find you want some more flavor. With plenty of battery life, and support for the Storz & Bickel dosing capsules, you can run some easy side-by-side tests and see what you prefer, while getting the most out of every bit.

Shop Mighty+ (CAD$415 - discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!

Runner-upArizer Solo II - Hybrid heating

Like the Mighty+, the Solo II’s efficiency comes from the balance of convection and conduction heat. The glass stems keep the herb chamber cooler between hits, reducing waste and preserving flavor.

With a small bowl and gentle heating when you’re not hitting it, the Solo 2 can be dialed in to really stretch your herbs.

Shop Arizer Solo 2 (CAD$159.95)

Smoothest vapor

The most important factor when it comes to smooth vapor is cooling it down, typically by running it past a heat-absorbing material, or by slowing it down with fins or a circuitous airpath. Our picks go out of their way to cool down that hot vapor before it can make you cough, for the smoothest experience possible.

Our pickFirefly 2+ - Light and tasty

The Firefly 2+ has a unique take on cooling vapor, with a wide and shallow, mirrored vapor path that expands and cools the vapor before hitting your lips, and a heating system that minimizes direct contact with your herbs. Even on the hottest mode for concentrates, every sip is smooth and tasty. Slow draws help cool the vapor even more, making this handheld convection vaporizer a shoe-in when it comes to preventing coughs.

You can also dial in the experience to exactly how you like it with the app, so all you need to do is hold the buttons for the perfect hit. If you like to tinker and try out different settings, this vaporizer lets you get under the hood and find the sweet spot for you.

Shop Firefly 2+ (CAD$324.95)

Runner-upStorz & Bickel Mighty+ - Old school cool

The Storz & Bickel Mighty+ is one of our favorite vaporizers overall, and the cooling unit up top plays a big role. It may not look like much, but the series of fins packed inside lets you take big, hefty rips off the Mighty+ without worrying about coughing or sputtering. It’s also extremely easy to use, which makes it one of the best vapes for sharing with friends.

Shop Mighty+ (CAD$415 - discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!

Biggest clouds

Looking for a vaporizer that produces big, chunky clouds of vapor? These picks eschew delicate flavors and tiny ovens in favor of visible vapor, and lots of it. They may not provide the smoothest hit, but you’ll definitely notice their potent effects and impressive clouds.

Our pickStorz & Bickel Mighty+ - Big vape = big clouds

When it comes to clouds, there are few portable vaporizers that can compete with the Mighty+’s prowess. Even though it doesn’t have the largest heating chamber, its powerful, well tuned heater produces thick, luscious hits at any draw speed. Plus, it’s sizable cooling unit means you can hit it hard, and at high temperatures, without having to worry about coughing.

And of course, when you need it to, the Mighty+ is a great vape for passing around or taking on a long weekend. Everyone will appreciate the ease of use, and of course, its potent effects, even at lower temperatures. When you need it to, the on-board digital controls let you bump up the heat to get the party going.

Shop Mighty+ (CAD$415 - discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!

Runner-upPlanet of the Vapes ONE - Compact power

The Planet of the Vapes ONE, despite its small size, is capable of pumping out a surprising amount of vapor. Particularly when paired up with the water pipe adapter or mini bubbler, you can take down an entire oven in short order. Turn the heat up, and you’ll definitely see the results, without the coughing.

Shop POTV ONE (CAD$124.95)

Best dry herb vaporizer for microdosing

While there are certainly vapes that let you sit down for a full session, vaporizers built for quick hits of small amounts of herb are becoming increasingly popular. Our picks let you dial in exactly how much you want, in individual hits, without the need to sit down and wait for it to heat up. That’s a valuable asset if you don’t need to have a whole oven to yourself.

Runner-upFirefly 2+ - On-demand vapor

Another way to microdose, instead of using tiny bowls, is to use a vaporizer that lets you take a hit and come back later, without cooking the herbs between hits. The Firefly 2+ is perfect for that one-hitter style of vaporizing. With instant, on-demand heating, it lets you pack up to 0.15 grams of dry herbs, and take eight to ten hits at your own pace, even if it takes days! There are seven on-board temperature settings, with more options via the smartphone app.

Hold the buttons down, and within seconds you’ll have your perfect hit ready to go. Take as long as you want to finish the bowl, or chain your hits together for a supremely tasty session.

Shop Firefly 2+ (CAD$324.95)

Desktop OptionEpicVape E-Nano - the New Microdose King!

The E-Nano isn't portable, but it's so good with microdoses that it must be mentioned. Desktop vaporizers usually satisfy bigger appetites, but if you’re looking for the best microdosing desktop vaporizer, the E-Nano from EpicVape shines with any sized dose. The all-glass stem has an adjustable stainless steel screen that slides up and down to accommodate doses as small as 0.015 grams! You can leave this desktop vape on all day, with a quick hit always ready. The E-Nano is beautifully crafted from a choice of woods, and paired with a pure glass stem for perfect taste.

Shop EpicVape E-Nano (CAN$239.95)

Best dry herb vaporizer for large amounts

Sitting down for a big session? These vapes will help you and your friends take down considerable amounts of herb in short order. Our picks have big ovens, so you don’t have to stop the session every few minutes to reload, and powerful heaters that make sure everyone gets in on the fun.

Our pickPAX 3 - Sleek and powerful

It may look sleek and gentle, but the PAX 3 vaporizer packs a serious punch with the temperature turned up, and you’d be surprised at how fast you and some friends can chew through its sizable oven.

It’s a bit more delicate with your flavors than the Boundless options, but can be picky about how you prepare it, while still being easy enough to pass around.

Shop PAX 3 (from CAD$207.96)

Runner-upMighty+ - Quick and efficient

The Mighty+ has an above-average sized bowl, but the speed and efficiency it brings to the table will draw heavy users back. Easily pack a quarter of a gram of ground herbs, and up to a third of a gram with practice. Tear through the bowl in a couple minutes and go back for more. If you’re hungry for vapor, the Mighty+ can go and go and go.

As an added bonus, Storz & Bickel developed the best dosing capsules in the business. Pre-pack as many bowls as you want and how-swap them out while on the road.

Shop Mighty+ ($415- discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!

Artisan ChoiceSticky Brick OG Vaporizer - Old School Rules!

Looking for the most potent hits we’ve found from those larger doses? Sticky Brick gets it done with fire, for massive extraction. We like the Sticky Brick OG (the original) for this cause, because it has a longer intake that’s more forgiving, so it doesn’t combust as easily when you’re pushing the limits. Everything about the OG is bigger, from the size of the body to the glass mouthpiece, so buckle up!

Shop Sticky Brick OG (from CAN$229.99)

Best dual use vaporizer

In general, we find that vaporizers that try to work with both concentrates and loose leaf typically do one well, but not the other. If you often find yourself reaching for stickier substances, we recommend a concentrate-only option like the Saionara, and our full Sai guide can walk you through those options, which are surprisingly affordable. If you just want a great herbal vape that can also handle concentrates on occasion, check out our picks below.

Our pickMighty+ and Crafty+ - Power and consistency

The Crafty+ and Mighty+ are two of our favorite vaporizers for their impressive vapor output with herbs, and that power can translate to concentrates too, if you turn up the heat. Both vapes include stainless steel pads to prevent anything from dripping down into the heating element, and they’re as simple to use as they are with herbs. Just a little dab on top of the pad, and off you go.

That also makes the Mighty+ and Crafty+ more shareable and more pocketable. You can load up dosing capsules with both herb and concentrates and head off to your destination knowing you and your friends are totally set, no matter the situation.

Shop Crafty+ & Mighty+ (from CAD$369 - discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!

Runner-up Firefly 2+ - Flavor first

The Firefly 2+’s concentrate mode works excellently right out of the box, with the included concentrate pad that fits perfectly into the oven. Place a small amount of concentrate on the pad, set the Firefly 2+ to the highest heat setting, and enjoy tastes you’ve missed before. The gentle, convection heat preserves your concentrates the same way it does flowers, extending the herbal taste much further into your sessions. Instead of monster dab clouds, the Firefly 2+ delivers longer sessions with your concentrates, that are gentler and tastier than high temperature dab/vape pen hits, but still effective. The Firefly 2+ is a solid choice for someone who mainly vaporizers flower, and has the occasional concentrate on hand to enjoy.

Shop Firefly 2+ (CAD$324.95)

Best for home use

These powerful vaporizers may ditch the cord (contrary to our selection of desktop vaporizers), but they do it in a way that won’t leave you wanting more. Great vapor, easy to use, and a slightly larger size that’s just a little too big to be pocketable all add up to a great experience that you can take with you from the living room, to the kitchen, and everywhere in between.

Our pickStorz & Bickel Mighty+

The Mighty+ is the closest you’ll get to a desktop experience in a portable vaporizer, and consistently great to have around the house. It’s easy to load and fire up at a moment’s notice, and no special techniques or buttons means anyone who happens to stop by the house can join in on the fun. There are no hot parts or extra steps, so you can hit it as you please, and not worry about leaving it in the bedroom when you sit down to have dinner.

It’s a little on the larger size for a portable vaporizer, but still small enough to take with you in a bag or purse. The extra long battery life means you don’t need to worry about charging it, and as long as you’re at home, you can use it while plugged in. It’s convenient and reliable, which is exactly what you need when you come home and are just looking to relax.

Shop Mighty+ (CAD$415 - discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!

Runner-upArizer Solo 2 - Flavor first

Glass stems may not sound groundbreaking, but Arizer’s unique system helps preserve the herb’s natural flavor, and slowly adds conductive heat to your herbs for a full, flavorful session. They aren’t the easiest to carry around, but they work perfectly at home, where you can load them up as you need them, or prepare a few before anyone comes over.

Shop Arizer Solo 2 (CAD$159.95)

Artisan ChoiceSticky Brick Hydrobrick Maxx - The Display Piece

The Sticky Hydrobrick Brick Maxx packs up everything but the mouthpiece into an inconspicuous block of handcrafted wood that can be left out on display. Pop off the lid for access to the flame intake tube, stash container, and stir tool. The Maxx comes with everything you need to vape through water, except the bubbler. Use the included whip and adapters to connect to your glass. With a little practice, this kit is ready for anything!

Shop Sticky Brick Maxx (CAN$254.95)

Best medical vaporizer

If you’re looking for a medically licensed vaporizer, you only have one real option.

Our pickMighty+ Vaporizer

Storz & Bickel is currently the only certified medical device manufacturer we carry, but unfortunately, we don’t carry the medical models. These special versions of the Mighty+ and Volcano Hybrid vaporizer go through extra steps to ensure they meet certain standards, and aren’t available for general purchase. The closest we have is the normal consumer version of the Mighty+, which is an almost identical device without the same level of certification.

Shop Mighty+ (CAD$415 - discounts available)
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!
Tyler Hixon
Written by

Tyler Hixon

Tyler is a writer and photographer from Jacksonville, Florida, where you can find him reading on the beach, or on his longboard, carving up the streets of his neighborhood.

Jerry Stickstones
Written by

Jerry Stickstones

Vaporist, vape beta tester, vape reviewer. I like to vape, talk about vapes, and think about vapes. Sometimes I dream...about vapes.

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